Glory (The Movie) Essay, Research Paper

Glory, a word used to dignify or praise. If you look glory up in

the dictionary you will find it described as great honor, praise, or

distinction. It goes on to praise worthy asset, it is adoration. I myself

think that the dictionary’s definition that says ” a height of achievement,

enjoyment or prosperity” would best suit the title of the movie. I believe

that the word glory was chosen for this film because what these men

went out to fight for was glory. They were fighting old battles which

they held within themselves for the past, they wanted dignity, and they

wanted the north to win, they also wanted to just fight. They found

fighting much more of a privilege and looked past what most people

would find containing violence, pain, agony, or plain stupid. The war

wasn’t just that to most soldiers, but what the men of the 54th regiment

were fighting for goes way beyond that. They were fighting for, and

trying to achieve dignity. Their fighting was an impression and was to

stand up against the people who wouldn’t give black people a chance,

not even to die for their own country. I believe that this movie was titled

glory because they fought for, and in my opinion achieved glory.

Lincoln wanted to do better things for the union, he himself

actually said that if he could save the union without freeing any slaves

that he would, so his best interests were in the Union not the slave

situation. I believe that the effort that the men of the 54th Regiment

changed his views. I mean when the turn out was so great it was

surprising. When after told the conditions by being captured by the

opposing side, they still stayed! And even when their pay was to be

exceptionally lower then that of the white troops, they tore up the checks

and they went to the extent of going without pay. Even the white

commanding officers chose to go along with them which I think was

unity within their regiment.

I believe that the Regiment worked especially hard with every

task, no matter how trivial. They had no trouble at all, and when they

did, by a solider who appeared to leaving was simply trying to get shoes

to help him better himself in being a solider. This was an event which

led to a much higher one, the realization that the 54th regiment worked

much harder then the rest, and needed to be treated with more respect

and to be given the necessities that they deserved. To many people and

especially white soilders they were simply a joke, but they proved them

wrong.

I think that the leading white commander, who seemed to appear

skeptical of the whole idea at first, changed throughout the progression

of the troops. He like most soldiers again thought that they would never

get to fight and would just be considered a joke. Once he saw the

realization of how serious they were his views changed. He also kind of

babied them at first with the thought that they would not get to fight. I

think he disapproved of the normal harsh treating that any white solider

would receive. I think that the commanders friend also changed. He

was an intelligent man who took things to heart. He was very serious

and he was disciplined. To the others he appeared to want to be white.

They were stereo typical and were despicable to him. He was brought

up to have a vast education and on the thought that his studies were

most important. He was very willing to do new things and to have new

experiences. When he arrived at the sight he realized how rough it was.

He had to hurt people and that concept was difficult for him. He

changed by becoming more courageous and experienced being a brave

solider.

The Regiment achieved glory with certain events. First when they

all tore up their paychecks, and even the white commander did also.

They would not accept less for more, if that was the case then they

would go for none. Another event was when the commander demanded

shoes for his men. At first when they blew him off he kind of accepted

that, but when he realized how much they really needed them he took it

upon himself as their commander to do what it takes to get them shoes,

and along with it pride for themselves and for their commander. Lastly

when he let his men lead the attack at Fort Wagner. This showed how

good they really were under these poor conditions.

During the Civil War when the 54th Regiment was to lead the

attack at Fort Wagner it was a slap in the face to all of those who denied

them of anything they deserved and those of whom thought it was

simply a joke. They went above and beyond the call of duty that they

were asked to do, even to people told and to people who viewed the

movie it would give them pride and to teach them a lesson. The 54th

Regiment taught people about pride, unity, and hard work. They

showed people that they truly cared and were out to achieve what they

were after even if it did cost them their lives.

The fighting conditions were awful, and gruesome. Once they

shot they had to automatically reload, taking agonizing time, resulting in

more reloading then actual shooting. Once they ran out of ammunition

the would have to use bayonets to literally stab their opponent. This

combat was really combat, they were no bombs, or nuclear weapons.

This was hand to hand combat resulting in many deaths and countless

amputations. This was so horrible that simple accounts of these

incidents were enough to make someone’s stomach turn. These injuries

that today would be considered not fatal were deadly back then. They

had no medicines, or anesthesia for pain. Being shot anywhere but the

arms or legs was basically a result of death. Being shot in the arm or leg

resulted in amputation.

I think that the movie was genuine in capturing the events, the

dramas, and the emotional experiences during this war. I think that all

of the characters in this movie had worked hard and did their best. The

conditions they were under didn’t really phase them. I can say that I

identified with them, they realized how they were treated yet they

fought back in a positive way more so then I can say I would if I were in

their shoes. When watching this movie I can say I felt mad when the

regiment was treated unfairly or even frustrated. During the fighting and

when they died I felt bad and realized that they probably knew their

future the whole time. I think that what they did, experienced and

strived for was glory.